Curlings, and 15 other head coaches, attended the state championship press conference in the Vaughn Towers at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.

Curlings is preparing for his fifth state title game, as either a head coach or an assistant.

"It’s always amazing to come here no matter if it’s as an assistant coach or a head coach or a player,” Curlings said. "Every time is just as special. To be able to bring the quality of kids that we have on our team to experience it makes it that much better.

"I’m very happy for our assistant coaches, players and the community."

The second-ranked Bears (14-0) will play Porter Ridge (13-1) on Friday evening at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. New Bern is designated the home team and will wear its black uniforms.

Win one for Clay

Curlings was joined at the press conference by offensive coordinator Clay Jordan, defensive coordinator Steve Lovitt and New Bern High principal Tom Marsh.

Jordan, a former West Craven coach of 33 years, is searching for his first state title. In his final season at West Craven, the Eagles lost in the 3-A state championship game to West Rowan in 2008.

“(Jordan) is the hardest worker I know,” Curlings said. “He loves the kids. He is a great X and O’s coach, but he is also a great person. He brings a lot to our team. There is 33 years of experienc calling our offense. I would love to see him finally win a championship.”

Back in the title game

Friday’s game mark New Bern’s fifth state championship appearance since 2002. After three attempts, the Bears won the 4-AA title with a 28-17 win over Charlotte Independence in 2007.

Curlings said the closeness of this year’s squad resembles that 2007 team.

“The closeness is the big thing,” he said. “We have athletes here year-in and year-out, but the thing that separates a good team from a great team has been their ability to put their egos on the shelf and play together like a family.”

Finally over the hump

Bears’ senior quarterback Josh Taylor has passed for 2,300 yards and 24 touchdowns, while rushing for another 1,207 yards and 13 scores.

Taylor’s been the starting quarterback since midway through his freshman year. He has 41 wins, and has led the Bears at least the state semifinals in each of the past three seasons.

At last, he will get the opportunity to play for a state title.

Page 2 of 2 - The Bears defeated Scotland County, 23-6, last week in the 4-A Eastern Regional Finals.

“Josh has set all kinds of records, throwing and running,” Curlings said. “The thing that impresses me the most about him is his leadership ability and never say die attitude. He is a tremendous athlete and an even better person.”

Pregame routine

Curlings said New Bern will try to keep its routine as normal as possible this week. The Bears most likely will practice at a high school in Chapel Hill on Friday for a walk through before hitting the field at Kenan Stadium for their 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

The Bears are familiar with the dimensions at Kenan Stadium. They scrimmaged there prior to last season.

“They’ve seen the field and the stadium seats,” Curlings said. “Hopefully that initial shock, that sometimes happens, will be out of our system.”

About the Pirates

Porter Ridge (13-1), which has only been a high school for eight years, is back-to-back 4-A Western Regional Champs. The Pirates lost to Scotland County, 42-16, in last season’s state championship game.

They beat North Davidson, 34-27, last week.

Porter Ridge is 40-5 over the past three seasons.

“We were a young program, and that was the first time we’ve been to the state championship,” said Porter Ridge coach Blair Hardin. “It was a good experience, but we aren’t content on just being there. We want to compete and win.”

Porter Ridge is led by sophomore quarterback Isaiah Hicklin, who began the season on junior varsity and is the third-string quarterback. Hicklin has played five games following injuries to the Pirates’ first two quarterbacks.

Kicker Matt Wogan, who committed to play college football at Oregon, booted a 58-yard field goal last week.

“We are fortunate to have a great kicker,” Hardin said. “He punts, he kicks, and he is a big part of winning the field position. He is playing at a high level, and he is a reason why we are here today.”

The Pirates have a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. Chris Duffy, a UNC-Charlotte commit, has 1,277 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Jerrick Robbins has 1,042 yards and 14 scores.

“They set the tone for us offensively,” Hardin said. “They help out our quarterback. They are our playmakers and we try to get them the football.”

Adam Thompson can be reached at 252-635-5669 or at Adam.Thompson@newbernsj.com. Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_matic.